It appeared the pair has a blissful relationship, getting engaged on Christmas Eve and planning to wed in the House of Lords. But it seems the relationship came to an end at the start of this year, report OK! .

A spokesperson for Claire said: "They parted company just after Christmas. When they were pressed for further details, they replied: 'No comment.'"

Just a year ago the actress told Hello! Magazine: "The reason I've never married or had children is because I take it very seriously and I hadn't met the right person.

Andy Stenning / Daily Mirror

Claire Sweeney and boyfriend Daniel Reilly at Aintree last year

"I'm a workaholic. I've had a great life and a fabulous career. It would take a very special man to make me stop and want to be with them. Daniel is that person. I was thrilled when he asked me to be his wife."

Sweeney, probably still best-known for her role as Lindsey Corkhill in long-running soap Brookside, ended a six year relationship with businessman Tony Hibbard in 2007.

She's spent the last few years focused on work starring in the BBC drama Candy Cabs and presenting ITV’s 60 minute makeover. She also appeared in the West End musical Chicago.

Talking about her career, she said she was now branching out to do her own fashion range – like Victoria Beckham.

She says: “I'm very much involved with everything right from the beginning, the cuts, fabrics, the design, everything. It's been a labour of love, but I love it.